Every year at this time, our generosity is counted on a little bit more. And every year at this time, Comox Valley residents come through, with compassion, empathy, and help.
With Santa now in town (although many would say that happens a little too early in our community) the holiday season is officially upon us.
We like to think of it not as the gift-giving season, but simply, the giving season. And, as has been the case for the past few years now, we are being led by the compassionate ways of our children.
The Everybody Deserves a Smile campaign is well underway, where students converge to create care packages for those in need.
Courtenay teen Jade Hansen just completed her eighth - yes, eighth - clothing drive to bring warm winter clothing to those who need it most. She was in Grade 3 when she created the project.
Cumberland teen Breanna Brosko is about to launch her second 鈥淎dopt-A-Grandparent鈥� campaign, in which people can pick a name from a Christmas tree and buy a present for one of our nursing home seniors who might otherwise be overlooked this Christmas season (see next week鈥檚 Record for all the details).
And while our youth lead by example, it鈥檚 certainly not only the youth in our community contributing to make Christmas a little less stressful.
Santa鈥檚 Workshop is busy with elves of all ages, adding some spit and polish to gently used toys and bikes, so that financially challenged families can enjoy a happier Christmas morning than what might otherwise be.
The RCMP are hosting their Cram A Cruiser event Saturday at Superstore, where they aim to fill a cop car with food for the local food bank.
The Sharing the Christmas Spirit Hamper Program is now in its 29th year, and this year organizers are hoping to provide hampers for an estimated 600 families in need.
There is no shortage of options for our generosity this Christmas season.
Yes, it鈥檚 a shame we can鈥檛 all be of this mindset every month of the year. But it鈥檚 inspiring to know that the majority of us are in a position to help the less fortunate, and that the majority of us will do just that.
鈥揟erry Farrell
